It promises to be an amazing ten years of sport ahead. Of course, there’s the biggie in 2012 – but with the 2014 Commonwealth Games, 2015 Rugby Union World Cup, 2019 cricket World Cup and the (maybe) 2018 World Cup also being staged in the UK it’s shaping up to be the best decade of sport this country has ever seen.

But before we welcome in the erm, teenies, it’s time to look back at Metro’s favourite sporting moments from the noughties.

France celebrate after winning the 2000 European Championships

2000

Les Bleus reign again

Forget the French team which won the World Cup in Paris two years earlier, spearheaded by the mighty Stephane Guivarch. This was Les Bleus in their full pomp as they added the European Championships to their legacy.

This was a wonderful tournament, typified by the quite amazing Yugoslavia versus Spain group match, which saw two-injury-time strikes secure qualification for the then-underachieving Spaniards.

Not quite as memorable for England, though, who crashed out in the group stage despite beating Germany.

France, though, were simply magnificent, beating Spain and Portugal en-route to the final before equalising in the last minute and then scoring a golden goal winner against Italy in the final.

Goran Ivanesivic finally gets his hand on the Wimbledon trophy2001Goran, but not forgotten

We’ve almost become spoiled for great Wimbledon finals in recent years thanks to Roger Federer – but this was simply sensational.

It had been a great Wimbledon – hopes were high Tim Henman would at last end Britain’s SW19 drought and he looked on course to reach the final until an untimely rain break and inspired, unseeded Croat.

The final itself was carried through until the Monday because of rain, meaning tickets were on sale at the gate to the ordinary, everyday fan, which created a quit unbelievable atmosphere.

Ivanisevic eventually triumphed in five sets against Pat Rafter to become the first wildcard to win the men’s championships after three-times finishing as a runner-up – and it turned out to be the last title of his professional career.

Lennox Lewis hands out a beating to Mike Tyson2002King at last

There is no doubt now, Lennox Lewis goes down as one of the all-time great heavyweights and probably the best fighter Britain has ever produced – but he knew he had to beat Mike Tyson to secure his legacy.

The originally-scheduled fight had been postponed after Tyson attacked his opponent at a press conference and bit his leg. When they eventually got it on, many tipped Tyson for one last hurrah.

Instead, Lewis put on a masterful display before brutally knocking out the former heavyweight king in round eight. Lewis fought only once more – but this was the one he had always wanted.

Jonny Wilkinson wins the World Cup for England2003Here’s Jonny…

Everyone knew this was England’s time.

Sir Clive Woodward ’s team had been imperious; Six Nations champions, winning a series in New Zealand. But as the tournament approached, there were fears the battle-weary warriors were starting to feel the pace and the pressure.

England started slowly but beat South Africa, Wales and France en-route to a Sydney date against hosts Australia.

In a titanic struggle, England eventually won it in the most dramatic of fashion thanks to Jonny Wilkinson ’s boot in extra time.

Kelly Holmes of Great Britain celebrates after she Kelly Holmes can’t believe she is 1,500m champion2004Kelly’s heroes

The build-up to Athens had been all about Paula Radcliffe but when she pulled out of the marathon at the 23-mile in tears it simply cleared the way for Kelly Holmes.

Always talented, injuries had prevented Holmes from fulfilling her potential but she became the darling of British athletics by becoming the first runner from these shores to win the 800m and 1,500m double in 83 years.

Andrew Flintoff celebrates Ashes success2005Ashes to Ashes

It’s hard to know where to start when describing the amazaing events of the summer of 2005.

From the Aussies being thumped by county cricket sides, to that amazing first day at Lord’s when 17 wickets fell.

Perhaps the turning point was when Glenn McGrath tripped over a ball and injured his ankle, ruling him out of the remainder of the series but that takes nothing away from England’s performances, superbly orchestrated by Michael Vaughan.

Of course, it was Freddie who dominted that summer. From his sporting gesture after a defiant stand from Brett Lee to his massive booze-up celebration which captured a nation’s affections.

There was no ticker tape parade this summer when the Ashes were reclaimed – but there is no doubt Vaughan and his boys deserved their parade after a truly almighty sporting battle.

Zinedine Zidane loses his head2006No buts, its all over for Zizou

The finest player of his generation wasn’t meant to exit the stage in this way.

True, France had spluttered their way to the World Cup final but Zinedine Zidane had sparked into life in the semi-final to see off Portugal.

Prior to the tournament, he had already revealed he would quit football as soon as the World Cup ended – setting up his grand finale perfectly.

And when he gave France the lead it seemed as if he would be leaving the game with the World Cup tucked into his back pocket.

But then came that amazing moment of madness when he butted Marco Materazzi in the chest for, well, nothing at all it transpired. Ultimately he cost France the World Cup as he surely would have slotted away a penalty in the shoot-out.

A sensational finish to what had been the best World Cup in 20 years.

Steve McClaren watches England crash out2007The Wally with the brolly

Hard to image now, under the stewardship of Fabio Capello, just how hapless England were on that miserable November night in Wembley.

Boss Steve McCLaren had never impressed during his tenure but Israel’s unlikely draw with Russia meant England just needed a draw against Croatia at Wembley to reach the following year’s European Championships.

And the night couldn’t have started any worse when Scott Carson – inexplicably handed a start – fumbled a NIko Kranjcar shot into the net.

After falling 2-0 behind, England fought back to level only to let the lead slip again. But the night will forever be remembered for McCLaren, helpless on the touchline, with a brolly to shield him from the rain.

The umbrella, however, couldn’t protect him from the barrage of criticism that followed and he was duly sacked later the following day.

Usain Bolt wins 200m Olympic gold2008Bolt from the blue

The Beijing Olympics brought unparalleled success to team GB. Forty Seven medals represented the best haul in a century and secured an amazing fourth in the medals table.

And of course cyclist Sir Chris Hoy became a national hero after becoming the first Briton to win three golds in a single games for 100 years.

However, it was a sprinter from Jamaica who stole all the headlines with a simply staggering performance.

It is remarkable, looking back, to consider Usain Bolt wasn’t even favourite going into the 100 metres. But not only did he win gold in the 100m and 200m, he smashed both world records, despite appearing to ease up going over the line.

And of course this year he improved his records at the Berlin World Championships to confirm his status as the greatest athlete of all time at only 23 years of age.

Roger Federer finally wins at Roland Garros

2009

Federer – the French King at last

After the Aussie Open, it appeared Roger Federer’s rule was well and truly over. In tears following an epic defeat to Rafael Nadal, the Swiss appeared physically and mentally shot.

And his chances didn’t look good going into the French Open – the only grand slam he had yet to win – with many doubting he would ever win in Paris, thus making it impossible to consider him as the greatest ever.

However, Robin Soderling’s defeat of Nadal paved his way to success and he followed this up with that amazing marathon five-set victory over Andy Roddick at Wimbledon.